lima to la paz - 31 days

Tour Information

Day 1: Lima Welcome to Peru! Arrive at any time today, and transfer to your way to the hotel where this evening, a welcome meeting will take place. Overnight – Lima. Day 2: Pisco This morning explore Lima’s museums or search for handicrafts at the Mercado del Indio before we take the bus 230kms to Pisco. Overnight - Pisco.   Day 3: Nazca Rise early for our optional excursion to the Islas Ballestas or the ‘Poor Man’s Gallapagos’; the islands abound in birdlife, penguins and sea lions. Enroute to Nazca we enjoy the opportunity to sandboard at Huacachina. Overnight - Nazca.

Fancy seeing the Amazon?       Add one of our Amazon lodge stays  Sacha Lodge & La Selva Lodge to complete your South American experience.

Day 4: Nazca
Take a flight over the site of one of the greatest unsolvable mysteries - the Nazca Lines, (weather permitting) or just partake in the tour of the fascinating Chauchilla Cemetery. This evening we catch the overnight bus to Arequipa.

Day 5: Arequipa
UNESCO-listed Arequipa is located in a fertile valley, and based around the colonial Plaza Des Arms. For those interested, join the optional excursion to the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Overnight - Arequipa.

 

Days 6 & 7: Colca Canyon
On a rough and winding road, we journey towards the Colca Canyon and forge our our way to Chivay. Two nights here provides ample time for short hikes, a dip in the hot springs, and touring the canyon, hoping to spot Condors. Overnight - (2) Chivay.

Days 8 & 9: Cuzco
Fly to Cuzco and spend the remainder of day 8 and 9 accLimatising and soaking up the atmosphere of this colonial town. Choose to investigate the Sacred Valley, the local markets, museums or the cafés. Overnight (2) - Cuzco.

Days 10 - 13: Inca Trail
An early start, we make our way to the Inca Trail a challenging however ultimately rewarding 42km trek. Day 2 includes the highest point of the trail, and reaches 4200m. Lunch and Dinner, Overnight - (3) Inca Trail.

Alternatives to trekking the Inca Trail

If you have always dreamed of trekking the Inca Trail be warned – the numbers are strictly controlled and the trail is periodically closed due to maintenance and/or inclement weather. So please book early! If the Inca Trail is unavailable we will offer the Lares Trek as an alternative. With its breathtaking passes, glacial lakes and hot springs, this less crowded option, which also ends with a full day’s visit to Machu Picchu, is thought to be more spectacular and has more to offer than the Inca Trail (includes 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel – Aguas Calientes & comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu). If you’re not one of these people and would rather set your weary head upon a comfy pillow than spend 2-3 days hiking either Trail, then why not spend those days in the relative comfort of your Cuzco Hotel? On the day before the group reaches Machu Picchu, you will travel by train to Aguas Calientes and overnight. The next morning we take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins (includes 2 nights Cuzco, 1 night Aguas Calientes & comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu). Please specify either preference when making your reservation.

Day 14: Machu Picchu
Breakfast. Our final morning on the trail begins prior to dawn and with the last steps to the Sun Gate. We’re guided around the site before the remainder of the time is our own. This afternoon we return to Cuzco by train. Overnight - Cuzco.

Days 15 & 16: Cuzco
Relax and enjoy this historical city which has something for everyone – from great nightlife to intriguing museums. Overnight (2) - Cuzco. day 17: Puno We spend the day travelling through the Altiplano and on to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Overnight - Puno.

Days 18 & 19: Lake Titicaca
Travelling by boat to Taquile Island, we observe a unique and fascinating culture. After lunch, we head for Amantani Island and this evening, experience a rural way of life in homestay accommodation. Before returning to Puno, we stop at the ‘floating Islands’ of Uros. Overnight Amantani Island (1) - Puno, (1) - with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Days 20 - 21: La Paz
Making our way to La Paz along the shores of Lake Titicaca, we reach the lofty capital this afternoon. Remainder of today and all tomorrow is free to explore. Overnight (2) - La Paz. day 22: La Paz Travelling to Uyuni by bus and train before embarking on our 3 night 4x4 tour of the world’s largest salt flats. Overnight bus and train.

Days 23 - 25: Uyuni/Salt lakes
Breakfast – Travelling the maze of tracks across this surreal landscape, we visit an array of settlements and sites. There will also be the chance to spot flamingos, llamas and owls. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (3) Salar de Uyuni.

Days 26 - 27: Potosi
The site for one of the world’s longest continually operated silver mines, the UNESCO-listed city of Potosi bares both the fruits and scars of this legacy. Take the opportunity to descend down a working mine and witness archaic mining methods and conditions which are still practiced today. Overnight (2) - Potosi.

Days 28 - 29: Sucre
Sucre is the cultural centre of the country and possesses many museums, quality restaurants and relaxing cafes – The days are free to enjoy this laid back city. Overnight (2) - Sucre.

Day 30: La Paz
Transfer to the airport for the flight to La Paz, leaving the rest of the day free. Overnight La Paz.

Day 31: La Paz
Depart any time today.